Method for digitally controlling a sensor system
US7010983B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L19/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for digitally controlling sensors. In one embodiment, a digital controller for a capacitance diaphragm gauge is embedded in a digital signal processor (DSP). The controller receives digitized input from a sensor AFE via a variable gain module, a zero offset module and an analog-to-digital converter. The controller automatically calibrates the received input by adjusting the variable gain and zero offset modules. The controller also monitors and adjusts a heater assembly to maintain an appropriate temperature at the sensor. The controller utilizes a kernel module that allocates processing resources to the various tasks of a gauge controller module. The kernel module repetitively executes iterations of a loop, wherein in each iteration, all of a set of high priority tasks are performed and one of a set of lower priority tasks are performed. The controller module thereby provides sensor measurement output at precisely periodic intervals, while performing ancillary functions as well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.